Thanks for the response. I agree that the transducer is the most important part of the chain. I have little experience with TOTL source equipment or amps, so I really don’t know what I’m missing. I’ve been tempted recently by the Monoprice Liquid Platinum, especially at its current sale price. The consensus seems to be OTL tube amps with ZMF’s though.
All that being said, I literally won’t have any money left for another audio purchase after the VC purchase even at the discounted price during ZMF November. I’m sure I’ll be able to thoroughly enjoy them with my setup though. Ignorance is bliss as they say. The problem is I read these and other forums far too often to be totally ignorant.
Lots of tube amps pair well with ZMFs: OTLs, SET, Ultralinear, hybrids - all do the trick depending upon implementation. It’s not really about the class of amp but how well it does what it’s supposed to do. Once you get to a certain level it’s more about the details of topology if you want to fine tune your preferred sound signature.
OTLs will limit your headphone options as they tend to work best for high impedance cans, if thats what you stick to then fine but just FYI.
It can be hard to resist the upgraditis once it takes hold!
I have t Aeolus and argon balanced and through a tube amp Aeolus really shine and outgun the argons in gobs and gobs of magical midrange musicality. I like the argons and will try them eq’d with the bass down tonight on my solid state 1 watter.
If you haven’t tried a good tube amp with zmf I think there is more to that adventure for you. You might be pleasantly surprised!
I agree, the Aeolus definitely outclassed my Argon, no doubt about it. You’re also right that the midrange was substantially better on the ZMF. I have two noisy kids and a wife that says she can hear my open-back headphones from our bedroom down the hall, so a closed-back is my best option going forward. The VC should check all the boxes for me.
Maybe in some distant future we’ll be able to see people in person again. I’d really love to demo some tube amps before making a purchase.
How did last zmf November go down? With the bstock do you see the actual headphone you are getting before buying or do they just list it with a counter showing multiples in stock?
What were the LTD. Auteurs that could show up in bstock this year?
Ive never actually bought anything or looked at what they had for sale during ZMF November so I dont know what it all entails, folks seem excited about it so something is afoot.
I think it usually starts a bit earlier but you know… 2020. .
Looking forward to this! I think it may be time to pull the trigger on a VC!
Those new ZMF jacks look pretty dope! Anybody know what the upgrade jack barrels are when ordering a custom cable? I’m assuming that is for different colors maybe?
